Kvalitetsmålene

Kvalitetsmålene is a Norwegian term for a set of formal quality goals used to guide and evaluate the quality of public services. The expression is used across sectors, including health and care services, education, and municipal administration, and may refer to a nationally defined framework as well as sector-specific adaptations. The overarching aim is to improve service quality by providing clear expectations, measurable indicators, and accountability.

Typically, the framework consists of a limited number of quality objectives accompanied by indicators and targets. Indicators may address accessibility, safety and outcomes for users, efficiency, user involvement, and satisfaction. Data are collected regularly and reported to authorities, with results informing planning, budgeting, and policy adjustments.

Governance varies by context: national ministries or agencies may establish overarching Kvalitetsmålene and require regional or local authorities to implement and report on them. Local adaptation allows municipalities and institutions to align the goals with local needs while maintaining comparability through standardized indicators.

Effectiveness of Kvalitetsmålene depends on reliable data, clear targets, and a balance between standardized measurement and local context. Proponents argue that the framework increases transparency and drives improvement, while critics point to administrative burden and challenges in comparing results across settings.

See also: Quality assurance, Performance indicators, Public sector reform, Norwegian public administration.